300tdi into RRC Advice

**tb3** · 17th September 2015, 11:24 AM

Hi all,

I find that there is not a whole heap of fresh information regarding this matter so here goes.

The plan is to drop a 300/200tdi into my existing 1990 3.9 auto RRC. 200tdi would be ideal but seeing as they are not so common these days an early 300tdi will suffice. Either way, a donor car will be used. Below is my expected plan of attack as worded to the RMS technical division with what I understand will take place:

My intensions are to transplant a 2.5L 4 cylinder turbo diesel engine from a 1990-1994 Land Rover Discovery. I will also transplant the corresponding 5 speed MANUAL gearbox (R380) and the required additional foot pedals as well as all other ancillary parts for the success of the conversion. This includes small modifications to the fuel delivery system and engine bay wiring loom.

The transmission tunnel will require no modifications to fit the new transmission. The necessary crossmember and/or transmission mounts will also be fitted the Range Rover. The Range Rover and the Discovery come out of the factory with the same chassis and differing bodies mounted to them. In saying this, the engine mounting brackets on the Range Rover chassis will need to be modified to accommodate the differing diesel engine mounts found on the Discovery motor. This will be done by removing the engine mounting brackets from the Discovery chassis and fixing them to the Range Rover chassis in place of the existing Range Rover brackets.

Excuse the extensive description of a simple theory.

My question? - I would love to hear from those whom have untaken the challenge. I have had it described to me as relatively simple which, in theory, it is. I have also been told that others have experience nil issues in re-registering the vehicle in NSW. As much as I would like this to be the case - the Vehicle Standards Information - Light Vehicle Modifications PDF on the RMS website implies I will require VSCCS certification which I am in the process of enquiring about.

Is a complete body swap and easier option - that is RRC body onto Disco chassis.

Thanks in advance,
Tom

Here is a pic of the subject RRC because everyone likes pics

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**bee utey** · 17th September 2015, 12:44 PM

The only trouble you'll have with a chassis swap is that your vehicle will legally become a Discovery and all its ADRs will apply. Not sure what changed between 1990 and 1994 but I wouldn't take the risk myself without explicit legal guidance.

As for a 300TDi conversion, I did one to a mate's 1994 LSE in South Australia and the engineer that did the inspection didn't have any quibbles at all about the rewelded engine mounts. Careful measuring of the Disco mounts, cutting them off with a slitting wheel in the angle grinder, cleaning and MIG welding the mounts to the RRC and painting them with black rust paint was all entirely acceptable to the engineer.

You may find it easier to swap the fuel pipes with the RRC body raised slightly off the chassis, the plastic clips are on top of the chassis and access without breaking them all was a fiddle. The 300TDi fuel system fittings all had homes on the '94 with pre-existing holes, I'm not sure how the 1990 is. If your 1990 has the plastic fuel tank the D1 pickup should drop straight in. The steel tank would need the EFI pump removing.

Ditto the wiring, air conditioning and power steering, the Disco stuff was a clip/bolt in fit into the '94 but you'll have more work on a 1990 as they are quite a bit different. You may be able to unpick the entire power steering kit off the D1 as we did, saves making any new hoses. The RRC one was leaking like a sieve in any case.

**tb3** · 17th September 2015, 05:12 PM

Thanks for the reply. All useful knowledge I can apply when the time comes

**Scouse** · 17th September 2015, 05:25 PM

There was a great thread on this conversion last year:
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/projects-t...onversion.html

Try to find the thread by LRHybrid too - he's in NSW but it was a while ago now.
This thread of his might have some applicable info for you:
Range Rover body onto a Disco Chassis?

**LRH build here:
http://www.users.on.net/~LRHybrid100/TDI.html

**DoubleChevron** · 18th September 2015, 09:42 AM

I'm surprised you guys don't fit a diesel that has some power if your going to go to all the effort of an engine swap. Its seems like a big step backwards from the wheezy V8 to an even wheezier oil burner

seeya,
Shane L.

**BigJon** · 18th September 2015, 12:02 PM

I agree, but what would you fit?

**loanrangie** · 18th September 2015, 12:08 PM

Originally Posted by DoubleChevron

I'm surprised you guys don't fit a diesel that has some power if your going to go to all the effort of an engine swap. Its seems like a big step backwards from the wheezy V8 to an even wheezier oil burner

seeya,
Shane L.

A good tdi will leave an rrc v8 eating dust.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using AULRO mobile app

**BigJon** · 18th September 2015, 12:22 PM

What is the definition of a good Tdi?

**DoubleChevron** · 18th September 2015, 12:24 PM

Originally Posted by loanrangie

A good tdi will leave an rrc v8 eating dust.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using AULRO mobile app

190hp 320Nm V8 versus 111hp 264Nm 300tdi ................ Um, I guess it's possible when the V8 runs out of fuel .....

What engine would I use. Now that's the question. I have no idea. Would the territory/D3 V6 TDi fit

Or wuld that just blow diffs and gearboxes.

**loanrangie** · 18th September 2015, 12:27 PM

One that hadnt done a million k's and doesnt lose more oil than diesel , comparing apples with apples of course ie both stock.

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